Mozart & Beethoven at Cadogan Hall

A programme of timeless elegance and expressive power under the direction of Principal Guest Conductor Roberto Forés Veses, with pianist Lusine Khachatryan and soprano soloist Sarah Fox.

The concert opens with the Overture in D major by Juan Crisóstomo Arriaga, often known as the ‘Spanish Mozart’ for his exceptional natural talent. Written shortly before his death at just 19, the Overture sparkles with poise, energy and confidence, setting a vibrant tone for the evening.

Interwoven throughout the programme are three Mozart concert arias, reflecting the rich variety typical of 18th-century concert life, where symphonies, concertos and operatic scena would often sit side by side within a single evening. Written for specific singers and occasions, these works combine vocal brilliance with expressive immediacy. From the youthful assurance of Conservati fedele K23, to the graceful poise of Nehmt meinen Dank K383 and the heightened drama of Vado, ma dove, o dei K583, they offer vivid glimpses of Mozart’s theatrical instinct and evolving musical voice.

At the heart of the programme is Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major, one of the most beloved works in the concerto repertoire. Celebrated for its radiant lyricism, the Concerto’s slow movement is especially treasured for its serene, floating beauty. Lusine Khachatryan brings warmth, sensitivity and expressive depth to this much-loved masterpiece.

The programme concludes with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4, a joyful and energetic work, rich in rhythmic vitality, wit and invention. Standing between the monumental Third and Fifth Symphonies, the Fourth combines classical poise with emerging Romantic energy. Its brilliance and buoyancy bring the concert to an exhilarating close, demonstrating the Orchestra’s exceptional refinement and vitality.